Despite Law, Irish Hospital Says No to Abortions

A top hospital in Ireland designated as an "appropriate institution" under a new Act to carry out legal abortions, has refused to do so citing its Christian values.

LONDON: A top hospital in Ireland designated as an "appropriate institution" under a new Act to carry out legal abortions, has refused to do so citing its Christian values.

The Mater hospital in Dublin which is among the 25 institutions named in the recently passed Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act "cannot carry out abortions", according to a priest who is member of its board of governors.

Father Kevin Doran was speaking ahead of a board meeting to discuss how or whether the hospital will abide by the legislation.

Doran said it was "incumbent on the hospital to consider its position on the Act. The Mater can't carry out abortions as it goes against its ethos".